Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw, overthrew the country’s democratically elected civilian government last month, detaining leader Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) over unfounded claims of election fraud.

Suu Kyi has since been charged with several criminal offenses that many observers consider politically motivated.

At the informal ASEAN ministerial meeting, which saw member states’ foreign ministers and the bloc’s secretary-general address Myanmar junta representative Wunna Maung Lwin, Indonesia reiterated its deep concern about the escalating conflict and called for Myanmar’s security forces to exercise restraint as waves of demonstrations continued on Tuesday despite police killings of protestors over the weekend.

At least 18 people were killed on Sunday, according to the United Nations, while more than 1,000 people are believed to have been detained, according to the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi called for unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need and the release of political prisoners. She urged the junta to restore democracy and normalcy in the interests of the people of Myanmar.

“Democracy guarantees freedom of opinion. Democracy advocates communication and dialogue,” she said, while keeping the door open for ASEAN to play a bigger role through humanitarian efforts.

Popular

Analysis: Prabowo’s approval rating 51 percent and falling

Poverty falls, but the line is too low, economists say

A preventable disaster